By Tiwonge Kampondeni

Karonga, August 24, Mana: Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda has noted with concern gaps in service delivery at Kaporo Rural Hospital in Karonga as it is transitioning from a health centre.

Chiponda visited the hospital on Wednesday where, among others, she observed that some departments, including the dental department which has state-of-the-art dental equipment, are not offering services.

“We cannot have equipment sit and gather dust like this. Our attitude should change to match that of a hospital otherwise it will be discouraging to the donors who are supporting us with different equipment,” Chiponda said.

Other challenges the hospital is facing include limited expansion space as some residents have, over the years, encroached on the hospital’s land.

Chiponda said the Ministry will take up the issue to ensure that all land allocated for health service delivery should be secured with deeds as a control measure.

The Minister, therefore, warned the staff against breaching work ethics saying the malpractice compromises the service delivery.

She called for frequent supervision to ensure that staff report for work on time, have a good relationship with patients and take care of resources such as medicine.

Kaporo Rural Hospital Clinical Technician, Martha Wandawanda said infrastructure and shortage of staff are key challenges the hospital is facing.

“We serve over 74,000 people but we only have two clinicians, we also don’t have houses for staff,” Wandawanda said.

Karonga District Director of Health and Social Services, Dr David Sibale said understaffing is a challenge that is affecting all health facilities in the district.